Post Traumatic Growth

When a person experiences a distressing, life-threatening, or disturbing event that they are unable to cope with in a healthy way, this is considered trauma. Trauma can be from a single instance or from multiple experiences, and can sometimes cause adverse effects throughout a person’s life. When these experiences occur, it may often feel like life will never get better or be the same again. However, over time, someone who has experienced trauma may find that it has changed them or helped them grow. Post Traumatic Growth refers to positive changes that come as a result of experiencing a major crisis. In this blog post, we will explore this concept further, as well as explain its benefits and how to achieve it.

What is Post Traumatic Growth?

The theory of Post Trauamatic Growth (PTG) was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the mid-1990s. It states that those who experience psychological struggles after adversity/trauma can often experience positive growth afterward. In Tedeschi and Calhoun’s paper exploring this theory, they note that those who have lived through trauma are more likely to report positive changes in themselves than people who have not. PTG looks for positive responses across the following five areas:

• Appreciation of life
• Spiritual change
• Relationships with others 
• New possibilities in life 
• Personal strength 

How Does Post Traumatic Growth Occur?

The theory states that Post Traumatic Growth occurs in the following ways: 

• • Service: Some individuals may experience benefits when they work in service of their community following a traumatic event, this is especially true when they become involved in work that supports those who may have experienced similar trauma. 
  • Disclosure: Sharing your experience with others and reflecting on how you have been doing since the event(s) occurred can help you more effectively process it. 
  • Emotional Regulation – After a traumatic experience, you need to be in the right frame of mind in order for growth to occur. Learning to manage negative emotions can help you focus on the present. 
  • Education: Growth after trauma requires that you challenge your beliefs and rethink your circumstances. You may feel confused about how to move forward, however, learning to develop new thought processes can support you in coping.

• • Narrative Development: Thinking about how trauma has impacted the trajectory of your life can be helpful. Your story is unique and reclaiming it as your own can help you find meaning in life again. 

How to Achieve Post Traumatic Growth 

In order to achieve post traumatic growth, there are a few steps you can take. First, be sure that you are processing the trauma you experienced and not avoiding your feelings. Although this can be painful, it is necessary to prevent trauma from becoming unresolved. Additionally, reflecting on how the experience has challenged your belief system can help you reevaluate your values and further understand your priorities moving forward. 

Seeking help from a licensed professional — especially one who is trained in trauma-informed care– can help you work through your experience. Know that it will take time to process negative emotions and see benefits. In the meantime, it can be helpful to reflect on the strengths that helped you endure the trauma you’ve experienced. These qualities will help you as you continue on your healing journey and address any challenges that come your way. 

New Perspective Counseling is Here to Help 

Getting professional help is a critical step in achieving Post Traumatic Growth. Traumatic events can make you feel stuck. Processing memories and feelings in a safe environment unlocks them from the fight or flight part of the brain. The brain-based therapies help to re-file the traumatic event(s) so the memories and “triggers” no longer cause intense emotional and physiological reactions. Our therapists create a safe and sensitive environment where you can also learn new healthy coping skills and if needed, new skills for interacting with those around you. Our approach also entails helping clients learn to listen to their bodies so they can discern what reactions are about the here and now and what reactions are about past trauma. Schedule your first appointment with us today.